Segmented Platform for Agricultural Auxiliary Vehicle

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural auxiliary vehicles face challenges in balancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness with soil compaction reduction, as existing solutions either compromise on efficiency or require lengthy setup and transport limitations due to weight and design constraints.

Innovation Solution

A modular non-driven agricultural auxiliary vehicle with a platform composed of segmented roadway and carrier segments connected by joint axes, allowing for easy width adjustment and reduced overall weight, enabling quick setup and transport without compromising stability or increasing soil compaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional belt tracks with sprung and/or damped support and/or drive rollers are used, then ground pressure is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveground pressureVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The platform is divided into multiple individual segments (roadway segments and support segments) that can be connected in a modular fashion. Each segment is a simple structural element without complex mechanisms, yet collectively they form a complete support system that distributes weight and reduces ground pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the auxiliary vehicle is equipped with large dimensions to reduce soil compaction, then ground pressure is reduced, but adaptability for road transport decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoil compactionVSAvoidroad transport capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The platform width is made variable through the ability to fold support segments relative to roadway segments. In field operation, the platform can be in its full width configuration to minimize soil compaction. For road transport, the platform can be folded to a narrower width, enabling adaptability to different transport requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a foldable platform is designed to reduce overall width for transport, then adaptability for road transport is improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroad transport capabilityVSAvoidfolding mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The platform consists of discrete roadway segments and support segments that are already separated and connected by pivot axes for their primary function. The folding capability utilizes these existing segment connections, avoiding the need for additional complex folding mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If uncoupling and recoupling processes are used to attach trailers, then adaptability for different field operations is improved, but productivity decreases due to long setup time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield operation flexibilityVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary vehicle is designed with a universal platform that can accommodate different types of trailers and agricultural implements simultaneously. The platform's modular segment design and adjustable width allow it to serve multiple functions without requiring uncoupling and recoupling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution allows for efficient and cost-effective handling of trailers with minimal soil compaction, enabling quick and easy width reduction for transport and operation, while maintaining stability and preventing damage during field and road use.

Implementation Method 1

a left support segment (6a) and a right support segment (6b) which are arranged opposite one another and are connected by a first pivot axis (7)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

each support segment (6a, 6b) is connected to a longitudinal beam (9) of the belt track (3a, 3b) via a second pivot axis (8)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 3

two parallel belt tracks (3a, 3b)... The large contact area of the track-mounted bogies minimizes soil compaction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

actuators (11), which can be designed, for example, as hydraulic cylinders, are attached to the outer surfaces of the support elements (6a, 6b)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 5

resettable locking elements (15a, 15b) which can be brought into operative contact with counter-elements (16a, 16b)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3156310B1Drive-less agricultural auxiliary vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 ANNABURGER NUTZFAHRZEUG
  • EP3156310B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3156310B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3156310B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a self-propelled agricultural auxiliary vehicle (1) with at least one surface or platform (2), wherein the surface or platform (2) is designed to support a load-bearing trailer (4a, 4b), and has a track system (3a, 3b) on each of its two longitudinal sides. The surface or platform (2) can be folded or unfolded between the track systems (3a, 3b) from a working position (12a) to a transport position (12b) to reduce its width, particularly for road travel. A key aspect of the invention is that the surface or platform (2) is formed from at least two roadway segments (5a, 5b) and at least two support segments (6a, 6b), and the at least two support segments (6a, 6b) are connected to each other by at least one first pivot axis (7).